The Best Mothers

Even though I seem to have missed Mother’s Day by about a week, Moms deserve to be celebrated and recognized every day.

I really have the most wonderful mom. As I get older, and I navigate my own challenges and try to do things that seem hard to me, I often think of my mom. I wonder how she managed to do all that she did for us. She worked (and still does) so hard to give us all that she could. She is a shining, incredible example of love, courage, thoughtfulness, generosity, and sacrifice. She taught me to be strong and independent. She taught me that hands are washable, and I can work hard. She made me believe that I could do anything I set my mind to. She has always loved and supported me, no matter how questionable or unconventional my plans seemed to be, and I know that she always will. I am so grateful that I get to be her daughter.

Mom, you are beautiful. In every way. I love you.

Marrying my husband meant that I also became part of another family. I feel so fortunate to have the most wonderful in-laws. I recently learned that they tell people I’m not their “daughter-in-law” but their “new daughter.” How sweet is that? They have showered me with so much love, kindness, and thoughtfulness, it truly feels like I have been part of their family forever. I know there is so much I don’t know about their family, but I do know that my mother-in-law did an incredible job raising the man of my dreams and for that I am so grateful.

Aren’t they the cutest?

Finally, recognizing the mothers in our lives wouldn’t be complete without celebrating my grandmothers. They are the glue that holds their families together, and the most wonderful grandmothers I could ask for. I think their hearts might actually be made of gold. They have done and continue to do so much for their families.

I’ve been thinking about mothering a lot lately. I’ve come to the conclusion that all women, regardless of whether they have children, have the divine ability to mother. Every woman has the ability to literally change the world through her capacity to do what only a woman can do: mother those around her. Women can lift where they stand by caring, nurturing, loving, and reaching out in ways that only women can do.